Kudos

A line of relatively inexpensive varietals from the Willamette Valley including Pinot Noir produced at NW Wine Co. in McMinnville and vinified by Laurent Montalieu. The wines are in retail distribution.

13.9% alc., $25. A product of NW Wine Co.
·Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass.
Aromas of black cherries, briar and fennel lead to medium bodied flavors of black cherries, black
raspberries and a generous cherry-driven finish. Good richness, soft tannins and well-integrated
oak. An impressive offering at this modest price.Score:88.
Reviewed September 29, 2013ARTICLE&nbsp»

13.9% alc., $19.99. Aged 10
months in French oak barrels.
·Moderately light ruby red color in the glass. Aromas of cherries, espresso, dark
chocolate and bramble. Middleweight core of tart red fruits including cherries, cranberries and pomegranates
superseded by muscular tannins which hang around on the hi-strung finish. This wine is out of sorts with too
much acidity and tannins to complement the delicate fruit. Not a very good wine in this vintage. Decent.Reviewed January 19, 2013ARTICLE&nbsp»

13.8% alc., pH 3.59, TA 0.54, 1,560 cases, $20.
Aged 7 months in 15% new French oak barrels. A blend of vineyards.
·Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Aromas of dark
fruits, earth and oak. A middleweight offering of tasty black cherry,
black raspberry and plum fruits with a very slight complimentary accent
of oak char. The wine displays an earth and mineral foundation typical of this
region. The fruit core makes an impression, the slightly grainy tannins are
reined in, the mouth feel is satiny and seamless, and the wine finishes with
bright acidity. Very good.Reviewed February 22, 2012ARTICLE&nbsp»

13.8% alc., $20. From the NW Wine Co. in McMinnville
under the direction of Laurent Montalieu. A big seller at Total Wine &
More in California. Aged 10 months in oak.
·Moderately dark reddishpurple
color in the glass. Delicate scent of black cherries and black
raspberries with a subtle note of oak. Middleweight flavors echo the
nose with a little minerality in the background. Sturdy tannins, yet very soft in
the mouth. This wine aims to please now. Good.Reviewed September 12, 2012ARTICLE&nbsp»

13.7%
alc., $30.
·Moderately light reddish-purple hue in the glass. The nose is oak-driven with the scent of
brewed coffee. On the palate the core of dark red and purple fruit is moderately dense and intense
and offers an amazing persistence on the huge finish. There is more oak on board than I like, but this
should moderate over time in the cellar. Very good.Reviewed February 22, 2012ARTICLE&nbsp»